Sarah Garner
Sarah Garner
Frequently rebooked
New clients continue care with this provider
Hi! I am an Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California. I received my masters from California Baptist University and have been practicing for 8 years. I began my experience in a county jail, transitioned to a state prison, and most recently worked with the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) in San Diego County. I find fulfillment in working with adults who have diverse concerns and needs. Through my experience, I've discovered particular fulfillment in supporting individuals grappling with burnout, feelings of hopelessness, and overwhelming emotions.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our initial session, we'll begin with brief introductions, followed by an exploration of the specific challenges you're encountering as well as a bit about your past. This initial assessment will provide valuable insights to craft a personalized plan for our subsequent sessions, ensuring focused and effective support tailored to your needs and desires.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
In my experience, I've honed a therapeutic style that honors my clients' thoughts, beliefs, and aspirations while also encouraging progress towards a happier and healthier life. Continuously assessing for changes, I seamlessly adapt treatment plans as needed. I approach therapy with a candid, yet supportive stance, likening it to physical therapy where some sessions leave you feeling rejuvenated and agile, while others may leave you feeling a bit sore. Ultimately, my goal is to guide you towards lasting growth and fulfillment.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve clients who are navigating complex life transitions or living with stress, anxiety, or depression. Additionally, I excel in supporting individuals seeking to enhance their resilience, develop coping strategies, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness. For clients interested in addressing distressing memories or past trauma, I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as an effective tool to help process and heal from those experiences. My expertise particularly benefits those who are open to exploring their experiences and committed to personal growth and positive change.
About Sarah Garner
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Often in life, we seek to avoid uncomfortable emotions and symptoms. Through ACT, I've seen clients develop a deeper self-understanding and increased tolerance for discomfort, preventing self-destructive behaviors and maintaining progress. Additionally, they cultivate resilience, empowering them to lead more meaningful lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Working with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been immensely rewarding as it provides a structured framework for addressing various mental health challenges. Implementing CBT techniques has allowed me to witness profound transformations in clients' thought patterns and behaviors, leading to significant improvements in their overall well-being and resilience. Through collaboration and tailored interventions, I've seen individuals develop invaluable skills to navigate life's difficulties with greater clarity and confidence.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is grounded in four main principles: mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. In my practice, I've applied these principles in various capacities, both as the primary treatment method and as components within a broader treatment plan. Witnessing clients develop these essential skills has consistently led to notable enhancements in their quality of life and relationships.
Narrative
Engaging in Narrative Therapy has been illuminating as it allows individuals to externalize their problems, viewing them as separate from themselves. Through this approach, I've seen clients reconstruct empowering narratives, gaining a deeper understanding of their identities and experiences, ultimately fostering resilience and facilitating positive change.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized therapy approach designed to help people heal from traumatic or distressing memories. By using guided eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps the brain process and release stuck emotions and thoughts, so they can feel less overwhelming. Many people find EMDR effective for reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and other stress-related issues.